Wednesday, September 30, 2009

I just had to get the evidence up quickly. Dahlia had her cast removed (with a huge amount of drama involved....feel free to read between the lines here) and did not want to keep the dastardly item. So, here she is, cast-less but with new PJ's to celebrate the occasion. PJ's that we could finally get onto her arm. Her sweet little arm that's been smothered with Mama kisses all day. Ahem.

(Where did she learn to pose like that?....and don't look at me that way!)Had to add a picture of my two cuties, munching on popcorn, watching a movie.

Sunday, September 27, 2009

I had hoped (in vain) to get my China trip pics organized this week but I need to learn a way to post them without using the regular blogger uploader (which takes FOREVER!). Some bloggy friends have made suggestions like using Windows Live Writer and Flickr but I can't seem to get more than 5 minutes at a time (wonder why?) to learn how to do that. I will though, I will.

I love this little top on little miss (above). Just had to share that.

There are so many neat things about finally having a sibling for Dahlia. Not that it's all roses and sunshine - I am occasionally a realist - but my short-term memory, or rather the lack thereof, works very well for me.

Actually, it's more like living in denial (which I've done very comfortably for years now, thank you very much). Really, I think denial is under-rated. It can be a very useful tool.

But, how did I get off on that?

Oh yes.....the neat thing is Dahlia is enjoying her little sister more and more.

And it is such a delight to just watch them hamming it up.

(click on picture to enlarge)We were at a party (another one....we're just party animals here) and Dahlia was having a ball blowing air, from a balloon blower-uper thingie, into Milana's mouth. And Milana was enjoying it even more.

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Just trying to keep it real 'chez nous', so I give you the everyday fashion stylings of baby girl.....just gettin' down and havin' some fun.

Oh, and Daddy has found her first nickname - Milana Banana. And it's perfect as it's in keeping with my little name for her - Punky Monkey. Can you find the common thread here? Monkey is good clue.....'cause that's the noise she makes for wanting anything. I swear, if you close your eyes, she's a monkey. Lots of laughs.

And she is having some fun these days. For weeks I covered up most of the toys in the playroom and the shelf units too because when we first got home, she went into sensory overload but she is so eager to touch and experience everything, I can hardly hold her back.

Sunday, September 20, 2009

First I want to say - thank you - for your suggestions for our new title. This is what I secretly hoped most of you would like so that was a bonus. Not that we weren't a family before but since Milana was always in the plan, it wasn't complete until we finally got her home (ahem.....at last!).

I know, I'm corny.....can't help it.

So, about Milana and China et al. I know I said I would post pictures of our trip and still haven't. I'm hoping this will be the week I can catch an extra minute to go through things and organize my pictures (and a few thoughts - the latter being a bit more doubtful).

Dahlia goes back to school tomorrow (!) and we have more good news. We went to the hospital this week for x-rays and her arm is healing well. Meaning she can have her cast removed earlier. In 10 more days actually. Yah!!! Wonderful for Dahlia as it's a total drag carrying around that thing and not being able to use her right hand for her beloved drawing and writing and all things fun and necessary. Extra wonderful for Mommy as I don't have to jump through hoops trying to find something that I can actually get on her body over that right-angled cast. Double yah!

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

In an attempt to record memorable moments (oh, I probably wouldn't forget this one...but just in case) I submit this.

(Let me just put out a warning to anyone practicing prudery who may be reading right now......go no further......leave now or risk a blush.

'K.......fair warned.

I jest really. This is probably the oldest story (well almost) in the book. Here it is.

So Dahlia came running into my bathroom this morning, all excited. Went something like this.

Dahlia - "Mommy, mommy....I just saw Daddy's penis!!!"

Mommy - (just catching the chorkle as it bolted from my mouth....managed to and said, oh so demurely - " Oh yeah.....so.....what did it look like?"

Dahlia - (with huge eyes...too huge really) - " It was REALLY big! "

Mommy - I actually hurt myself to not respond other than a non- chalent - "Hmm....really". But really I was thinking ' oh, Daddy will be so pleased to hear that! '

Of course, Daddy was horrified that Dahlia had peaked into the shower but I've always told him to naturalize the body parts a bit or her curiousity level will be too high and when the opportunity arises, she'll be over-keen to explore with someone who Daddy really will be horrified with. If y'all know what I mean!

And 'cause I always provide visuals with my posts, I've included an example of the subject matter with which Dahlia was so surprised by......

Sunday, September 13, 2009

Well, it was finally time to get Dahlia into the bath (more than a sprinkle and a sponge) and that's not so easy with a cast on your arm and a little sister who thinks it's great fun to spash water everywhere. Should've waited till Danny got home from his meeting but....oopps....too late.....the B word was out of my mouth before I could stop it.

It wasn't easy but I managed to get both bodies clean and heads shampooed, hair blow-dried and bodies creamed.

For the rules of 3WS go here and don't forget to go back tomorrow and see the amazing slide show that Pug Mama puts together using all of the photos.

Thursday, September 10, 2009

It's been one month since our Gotcha Day (August 10, 2009). And that strange thing happens. It seems like yesterday yet......like we've all been together forever!

Just before we left for a birthday party on Sunday, I set up the tripod in the living room, lined up Daddy and Dahlia, grabbed Milana, pressed the button and ran. I bought a new portrait lens just before we left for China but didn't have it handy so I'm using the wrong lens (may account for a bit of fuzziness) but here it is. Our family picture (which I'll likely replace the above Family of Three picture with 'cause Dahlia's cast will be on her arm for the next 6 weeks!?!) Lucky I got this one just hours before her arm was broken. And everyone's eyes are open. Puh, double lucky.

So, one month! Whew. I was hoping to wax eloquent (or rather wax anything) but I'm still catching my breath here. What with Milana (read cling-on) still finding her feet and touching EVERYTHING, home-schooling Dahlia for the next 2 weeks and dealing with everything a broken arm entails, including sharing Mommy with the aforementioned "cling-0n" and trying (I'm using that term very loosely) to finish up a commissioned double portrait for a dead-line in 2 weeks but am kicking myself for not finishing it before this whirlwind began.......

But I digress. It is, afterall, our anniversary. One month since this sweet little child became ours.

Monday, September 7, 2009

It was a silly little fall, while playing with some friends, but it's a pretty nasty break just above the elbow. We spent the better part of the last 24 hours in the hospital and my sweet, big girl really suffered.

Man, it is tough to see your child like that and I couldn't help her.

So Dahlia must stay home from school and all other activites for 2 weeks and the cast stays on for 6 weeks.

Sunday, September 6, 2009

Three Word Sunday - Sum up your week in three little words. You can sing it, you can say it, you can write it, you can draw it. It can be funny or sad or poignant as long as it’s honest. Click here to see last week's video.

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Look who couldn't wait for school to start!! No tears this morning. (OK, there were a few yesterday when reality kicked in that it was our last day together and....um......Mommy gets to be home all day with the......baby and not her. But she sucked it up and got on with it. Feel the fear and do it anyway, right?) That's my girl. My big girl!

It was a race to get to the door.

"Oh, ok, I'll wait for l'il sis and even help her down the stairs - ahem.....Mom says I'm great!"

OK - but excuse me - is this (above) not an absolutely adorable picture? (Click on it to enlarge.) Pinch me - are these really my kids? (Just get me a spoon.)

(Umm.....if anyone noticed that Daddy seems to have the same striped shirt on for the last three posts, I think, you'd be right. So I thought I'd mention I've been doing a lot of laundry lately.

No, really!

Can you see Dahlia in the throng? Just inside the gate.

School let out at 3:55 PM. My Dahlia had a great first day in Grade 1.

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Hi, I'm Wanda. I am a happy woman, wife to Danny for...oh....lots a years and finally Mom to THE most adorable little girl from Hunan, China - Dahlia. And now we have been blessed again with another daughter, Milana, from Zhejiang, China. (The 2 best things I've ever done!)
We live in the Montreal area. After a loooonnngg wait for Dahlia's little sister Milana (pronounced - Mee-lana, like banana), we finally brought her home in August 2009. Dahlia came to us in Nov 2004 (at 20 months of age)and a year later we began the application for another baby - at the time the waiting period was around 8 months. Almost 4 years later (say what!?!)we, at last, brought Milana home.
This began as the story of our journey to bring Milana home and life with her big sister, Dahlia. It now continues as we live as a family of four!

God.
My (growing) family.
Hangin' out with my girlies.
My wonderful friends (you know who you are!).
To laugh (out loud and a lot!).
Music.
Painting. Hugs.
Long chats with my buds.
My garden.
To read (ha...when I can!).
Sunshine.
Spring, Spring and more Spring.
Building things.
Cooking.
Decorating.
Parties (ahem).
The internet.
Life.
Movies. A.I.
Dancing with the stars.
So you think you can dance.
Travel. Umm..did I say laughing my head off.
Oh Gee...everything actually!!